measuring memory

There are three methods of measuring memory. These are the recall, recognition, and relearning methods.

Recall
Recall is memory at its best because it involves producing the required information without the help of retrieval cues. It is remembering the information “cold.” Serial recall is when information must be recalled in specific order. It is often easier than free recall because each item may serve as a cue for the next item.

Recognition
Simply recognizing something as familiar. Brain-imaging studies have discovered that the hippocampus plays an extensive role in memory tasks involving recognition, and the degree of hippocampal activity varies with the exact nature of the task.

Relearning
Also sometimes called the savings method. In this method retention is expressed as the percentage of time saved when material is relearned compared with the time required to learn the material originally. The savings score reflects how much material remains in long-term memory.